New addition to my Tarentum 'Dolphin-Rider' pod

Awhile ago, I started on a small pod of Tarentine 'dolphin-rider' nomoi that, when finished, will number twelve in total. I settled on that number guided by the principle of Doug's Dozen, @dougsmit having established previously that "we each need a dozen or so well distributed among the versions" .

So, a couple days ago, the postman brought me #4 of my 12-coin allowance. It's an earlier type compared to my first three, circa 400-390 BC, and coincidentally, very similar to the one showed by Doug in this post, with the horseman as a naked youth. The dies used were a tad worn, and there's some double-striking on the obverse, but it's otherwise a solid coin with nice toning and a decently-centered reverse. Adding to its allure is its pedigree, which is ex Vlasto. Michel P. Vlasto was a collector and scholar who owned the largest and finest collection of Tarentine coins ever assembled. The catalog of his collection, published after his death in 1936, remains the standard reference for coinage of this city.

Please feel free to share your coins of Tarentum.


CALABRIA, Tarentum
AR Nomos. 7.97g, 21.4mm. CALABRIA, Tarentum, circa 400-390 BC. Fischer-Bossert Group 26, 361a (V164/R283) = Vlasto 339 (this coin, illustrated in both); HN Italy 850. O: Naked ephebos on horse galloping right; small Λ below. R: Phalanthos, holding torch, riding dolphin left; TAPAΣ below.
Ex William N. Rudman Collection (Triton V, 15 January 2002), lot 1043; Classical Numismatic Group Auction 53 (15 March 2000), lot 31; Ex Vlasto Collection, 339 (Michel Pandely Vlasto, 1874-1936).

Below is a picture of the coin from The Collection of Tarentine Coins Formed by M.P. Vlasto. The plate pictures are actually of cast copies that were made of the coins.

 

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As I'll probably be posting new additions to the set in this thread rather than create new threads for them, I thought I would just post all four examples I've acquired have so far...

#1


#2


#3


#4


With only 8 coins to go before I 'finish' the set, I'm going to have to start getting picky with my choices. The variety available for these is pretty staggering and I'll hopefully have a "well distributed" set eventually.

 

Very nice addition. I recently added #2 to my pod.




And my 1st

 

Nice! A boy rider on a large horse as on your #2 is on my list as well.

 

A lovely coin with an awesome pedigree. I know I would treasure it if it were mine.

Congrats!

 

Nice coins all. I had my sights on one of these this past weekend, but, alas, my bid fell well short of the hammer price. Still looking.

 

SUPER POSTS!!!

I have one example that I purchased from JAZ many months ago.....and I'll try to post it later today after I reconnect my Desktop PC and have access to my library and back-up

 

Fabulous, Z!! Excellent use of rationalization as well

As for my Tarentum dolphin riders...



Still looking for my first, plagued by indecision.

 

Number 3 is
my favorite, more complete and charming notwithstanding some scratching on the reverse !

 

I don't know whether to feel guilty for feeding the addictive behavior of others or to feel entitled to a kickback from the dealers who profit from those looking for a dozen coins when they previously felt one would do.

Seriously, this CT group is extremely expensive if you participate fully. The cheapest part is becoming a Supporter. The bad part is how much we spend trying to keep up with TIF and the troops. I only have eight Taras coins (not all staters) and one book (Cote). Does that mean I should try harder to keep up with my own published goals?

 

I can't speak for anyone but myself, but in this case I see the dozen rule as a good number. At the very least, it's a fixed target. A generalist can't afford to specialize .

 

I really love the the coins of Taras. i really love the legend that Taras was ship wrecked off the coast of Italy rescued by a dolphin and dropped of on one of the few good harbors on the whole peninsula. The first one was minted circa 465 B.C. the second circa 240 B.C. I have always been intrigued by the armored warrior on the obverse. He seems much more mature than what is usually found on this series. The third is from the period of the Hannibalic alliance circa 212 B.C.

 

Those are wonderful examples!

 

+1 on that!

 

+2

 

very desirable coins indeed!

 

Z, awesome coins! and looking foward to your next 8.

~Doug

 

Thanks, Doug, and thanks everyone for the comments and coinpliments. I'm looking forward to the next 8 too!

 

Nice one!